WhatsApp has launched a range of new features to help users celebrate FIFA World Cup 2026. The update adds soccer-themed calling effects, refreshed icons and graphics, and improved discovery for World Cup channels, all designed to keep fans engaged during the tournament. WhatsApp reportedly said:
“During the tournament, you can expect matchday countdowns, behind-the-scenes moments, and real-time highlights from channels across WhatsApp. We’ve created a dedicated football directory to bring together your favorite teams, latest scores, and updates all in one place for easy access.”
First, WhatsApp added new soccer-themed calling effects and stickers. These let fans celebrate goals and big moments with their contacts during matches. The app also upgraded its soccer ball emoji to the official match ball of the World Cup, giving the icon a more thematic feel for the event.
To keep fans connected to the action, WhatsApp built a custom channel directory for soccer-related channels. According to the company, fans can expect matchday countdowns, behind-the-scenes moments, and real-time highlights from channels across the app during the tournament. The dedicated football directory brings together favorite teams, latest scores, and updates in one easy-to-access place.
WhatsApp also enabled these channels to post directly to Status. This gives channels another way to share World Cup insights, notes, and live reactions with followers. On top of that, users can now turn to Meta AI for up-to-the-minute information. That includes the latest tournament standings, player details, and even nearby spots to watch the next game.
The World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Every major social and messaging platform is racing to capture the engagement around it. YouTube and TikTok have already announced their own FIFA partnerships and exclusive World Cup elements in recent months. WhatsApp’s update positions it to compete for that same wave of attention.
WhatsApp holds a particular advantage here. The app sees extremely high usage in many regions where soccer is the most popular sport. As a result, a huge volume of World Cup chatter will naturally flow through its chats, groups, and channels.
